How To Set Up An NGO In The Kurdistan Region Of Iraq

Despite the exceptional security issues faced by the Kurdistan Region in Iraq, the number of local and international Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)...

Despite the exceptional security issues faced by the Kurdistan Region in Iraq, the number of local and international Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) that operate in the area continues to increase to cover the needs of tens of thousands of refugees coming from all parts of Iraq and neighbouring Syria. Unlike some of the NGOs, the government of the area has little experience in the field of humanitarian relief and how to support displaced people.

Article 39 of the Iraqi Constitution Provides for the freedom of establishment of any association, organization or political party, and the freedom to join the same is guaranteed based on specific laws to be issued in this regard. Accordingly, the Kurdistan Non-Governmental Organizations Law No. 1 of 2011 (The "NGO Law") has been enacted by the National Assembly of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq to regulate the legal framework for these organizations in the Region.

The NGO Law gives the right to registered NGOs in the Region to open branches inside and outside Kurdistan and Iraq. The constitutional documents of the NGOs will determine the conditions and age of membership, voting and nominating rights, and can authorize any individuals to represent the organization before the courts, and official and unofficial bodies. The NGO Law stipulated that the NGO's objectives shall be compatible with the principles of democracy and international human rights agreements, and to be clear and public. In addition, the NGOs can assess the role of the Regional governmental institutions, access information, organize civil activities (gatherings, demonstrations, conferences, etc...), and publish reports, information, and opinion polls.

Registration Types and Procedures

Local Kurdish NGOs

For Local Kurdish NGOs the founding members, who must be at least three individuals, must submit a written request to the Region's NGO department, signed by all of them and attached with the organization's constitutional document which shall include the following information:

Name of the NGO, its purposes and objectives Name, title, gender, nationality, age, profession, level of academic achievement, and address of the founding members. The NGO's organizational structure and how it is to practice its activities Iraqi NGOs

Iraqi NGOs registered by the federal government in...